Written Answers Nos. 63-71
63. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of applications received by his Department under the professional added years (PAY) schemes, by body and organisation, in each of the years 2000 to 2025 and to date in 2026. [44481/26]
View answer64. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of applications approved by his Department under professional added years (PAY) schemes that have been approved for award, by body and organisation, in each of the years 2000 to 2025 and to date in 2026. [44482/26]
View answer65. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of applications not approved by his Department under professional added years (PAY) schemes that have not been approved, by body and organisation, in each of the years 2000 to 2025 and to date in 2026. [44483/26]
View answer66. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of applications received by his Department under the professional added years (PAY) schemes received that are not finalised, by body and organisation, in each of the years 2000 to 2025 and to date in 2026. [44484/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 63 to 66, inclusive, together.
Responsibility for processing individual PAY cases and retirement cases rests with the relevant public service pension scheme administrator, in conjunction with the public service employer. This is not a function performed by the Department.
The Department provides policy guidance on Professional Added Years (PAY). This includes guidance on the operation and application of scheme rules, actuarial calculations, and the exercise of certain discretions.
The Minister has a designated role for some of the university pension schemes. In addition, the Department provides actuarial and technical input to the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) in relation to Civil Service retirement cases.
Since 2019, the Department’s pensions helpdesk has received 1,557 queries relating to PAY, covering both general and actuarial issues. There are currently 63 open PAY queries being progressed.
Data on individual PAY cases is held by the relevant public service employers. The Department does not hold statistical information at individual case level.
67. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of businesses that have ceased trading in each county in the past 12 months; the sectors most affected; the trends in business closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44222/26]
View answerAt the outset, I should clarify that the information available to my Department relates to companies registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). This does not include businesses operating as sole traders or unincorporated entities.
From Q1 2025 to Q1 2026 the overall trend in firms ceasing to trade (inclusive of liquidations and voluntary strike-offs) decreased, going from 3,111 to 1,725. This includes a decrease in insolvent liquidations over the period decreasing from 161 in Q1 2025 to 115 in Q1 2026. At the same time, the trend in new firms increased over the period, with 6,491 new firms incorporated in Q1 2025 compared to 7,843 firms incorporated in Q1 2026.
Businesses can close for a variety of reasons and the information available to the CRO relates to filings of those companies who wish to be voluntarily struck off the companies register and those notifying the CRO when entering liquidation. Voluntary strike-off is available where a company either ceases to trade, or has never traded, has no assets in excess of €150 and has no outstanding creditors. It should be noted that liquidation covers situations where a company may be solvent, and pursue a members’ voluntary liquidation, or insolvent and is subject to a creditors’ voluntary liquidation or a Court ordered liquidation.
Table 1: Firm Closures by County, 2025
|
County |
Court Order |
Creditor’s Voluntary |
Member’s Voluntary |
Total Liquidations |
Voluntary Strike-offs |
Total firms to have ceased trading |
|
Carlow |
|
1 |
12 |
13 |
19 |
45 |
|
Cavan |
|
|
1 |
1 |
34 |
36 |
|
Clare |
|
3 |
11 |
14 |
64 |
92 |
|
Cork |
5 |
59 |
70 |
134 |
442 |
710 |
|
Donegal |
|
6 |
4 |
10 |
64 |
84 |
|
Dublin |
65 |
336 |
1165 |
1566 |
2583 |
5715 |
|
Galway |
1 |
14 |
21 |
36 |
150 |
222 |
|
Kerry |
|
9 |
17 |
26 |
49 |
101 |
|
Kildare |
|
1 |
10 |
11 |
181 |
203 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
3 |
18 |
24 |
38 |
84 |
|
Laois |
|
2 |
|
2 |
35 |
39 |
|
Leitrim |
|
|
|
|
18 |
18 |
|
Limerick |
|
9 |
38 |
47 |
124 |
218 |
|
Longford |
|
|
|
|
19 |
19 |
|
Louth |
|
1 |
10 |
11 |
102 |
124 |
|
Mayo |
|
5 |
3 |
8 |
42 |
58 |
|
Meath |
|
23 |
32 |
55 |
197 |
307 |
|
Monaghan |
|
|
3 |
|
37 |
40 |
|
Offaly |
|
2 |
5 |
7 |
17 |
31 |
|
Roscommon |
|
1 |
|
1 |
17 |
19 |
|
Sligo |
|
2 |
6 |
8 |
41 |
57 |
|
Tipperary |
|
1 |
7 |
8 |
57 |
73 |
|
Waterford |
|
|
12 |
12 |
45 |
69 |
|
Westmeath |
|
|
18 |
18 |
52 |
88 |
|
Wexford |
|
2 |
6 |
8 |
74 |
90 |
|
Wicklow |
13 |
5 |
12 |
30 |
111 |
171 |
|
Unspecified |
20 |
86 |
458 |
564 |
2874 |
4002 |
Table 2 illustrates the three sectors that experienced the highest numbers of firms ceasing to trade.
|
NACE |
Description |
Court Order |
Creditor’s Voluntary |
Member’s Voluntary |
Total Liquidations |
Voluntary Strike-offs |
Total firms to have ceased trading |
Incorporations |
|
6420 |
Activities of Holding Companies |
6 |
26 |
134 |
166 |
415 |
581 |
2679 |
|
7022 |
Business and other management consultancy activities |
5 |
16 |
53 |
74 |
506 |
580 |
2095 |
|
6499 |
Other financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding n.e.c. |
2 |
|
301 |
303 |
123 |
426 |
807 |
I hope this information is of assistance to you.
68. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has undertaken any assessment of the potential impact of artificial intelligence and automation on employment across the State; the sectors identified as most at risk of job displacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44276/26]
View answerMy Department continually monitors labour market developments, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), which is already evident and expected to intensify over time. Through the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the Department has undertaken significant research in this area, including the paper How AI is Transforming the Irish Labour Market, published last year. This work highlighted the pace of AI adoption in Ireland, noting strong demand for AI roles alongside a robust supply of AI talent. It also found that AI-related jobs and usage have approximately doubled since 2023. While the analysis compared Ireland with other economies using national-level data, it did not provide forecasts or estimates of net employment impacts. This work is being updated during the year, and further analysis will be completed.
In addition, the EGFSN has commissioned a major study examining the demand for and supply of high-level ICT and digital specialists to 2030, including those working in AI and cybersecurity. This study, which is at an advanced stage and due for publication shortly, combines quantitative modelling and qualitative research. It includes forecasts under multiple scenarios, assessment of potential skills gaps, labour market analysis using sources such as CSO data, and international benchmarking. It will also assess the regional distribution of employment and the supply pipeline for digital specialists.
The study examines the impact of emerging technologies, including AI and automation, on specialist roles, focusing on how tasks, skills and competencies are changing and the implications for upskilling and reskilling. It includes specific analysis of AI skills needs, including generative AI, and considers how digital transformation is shaping demand within high-level ICT roles. It will identify future skills requirements and provide an indication of the scale and type of upskilling and reskilling needed, while assessing supply channels such as higher and further education, professional development and inward migration. The study is ongoing.
The analysis focuses on high-level ICT and digital occupations across the economy, with particular attention to AI and cybersecurity roles. It includes examination of regional demand patterns and is informed by stakeholder engagement, including workshops and a survey of digital specialists, to identify emerging trends, risks, skills needs and gaps. The scope is limited to specialist roles at NFQ Levels 6 to 10 and does not extend to the wider labour market or to non-specialist digital skills, which will be addressed in later work.
More broadly, the EGFSN is also supporting related research, including a forthcoming report on skills for digital specialists to 2030 and a new all-island “Working in Ireland” survey led by UCD, which will include analysis of AI and the labour market.
Other published work, including analysis by the Department of Finance earlier this year, indicates that Ireland’s labour market is likely to experience changes from AI due to its sectoral composition, particularly in ICT, financial and professional services, and suggests that employment growth in more AI-exposed sectors has recently moderated. The Government’s National Digital and AI Strategy, published in February, sets out a roadmap to strengthen Ireland’s digital capabilities, including accelerating enterprise adoption of AI to support productivity and competitiveness.
Given the pace of technological change, continued workforce adaptation will be required, including the development of new skills and roles. Government commitments in this area include expanding access to flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities, implementing a national digital and AI skilling campaign, developing a Technology Skills of the Future Roadmap, and establishing a National Skills Observatory to support policy development in relation to AI and employment.
69. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has estimated the number or proportion of jobs in the State that may be significantly altered, displaced or augmented by artificial intelligence technologies over the next ten years; the sectors expected to experience the greatest impact; and the measures being taken to prepare workers and employers for these changes. [44282/26]
View answerMy Department continually monitors labour market developments, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), which is already evident and expected to intensify over time. Through the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the Department has undertaken significant research in this area, including the paper How AI is Transforming the Irish Labour Market, published last year. This work highlighted the pace of AI adoption in Ireland, noting strong demand for AI roles alongside a robust supply of AI talent. It also found that AI-related jobs and usage have approximately doubled since 2023.
In addition, the EGFSN has commissioned a major study examining the demand for and supply of high-level ICT and digital specialists to 2030, including those working in AI and cybersecurity. This study, which is at an advanced stage and due for publication shortly, combines quantitative modelling and qualitative research. It includes forecasts under multiple scenarios, assessment of potential skills gaps, labour market analysis using sources such as CSO data, and international benchmarking.
The study examines the impact of emerging technologies, including AI, on specialist roles, focusing on how tasks, skills and competencies are changing and the implications for upskilling and reskilling. It includes specific analysis of AI skills needs, including generative AI, and considers how digital transformation is shaping demand within high-level ICT roles. It will identify future skills requirements and provide an indication of the scale and type of upskilling and reskilling needed, while assessing supply channels such as higher and further education, professional development and inward migration.
More broadly, the EGFSN is also supporting related research, including a forthcoming report on skills for digital specialists to 2030 and a new all-island “Working in Ireland” survey led by UCD, which will include analysis of AI and the labour market.
A report from the Department of Finance earlier this year finds that 63% of employment in Ireland is exposed to AI, with 33% in complementary roles and 30% in substitutable roles. Their analysis indicates that Ireland’s labour market is relatively exposed to AI due to its sectoral composition, particularly in ICT, financial and professional services, and suggests that employment growth in more AI-exposed sectors has recently moderated. Overall, the evidence suggests that AI-related adjustments are occurring primarily through reduced hiring and entry-level opportunities rather than large-scale job losses, though the latter will also sometimes occur.
The report states that “it may be premature to attribute these employment adjustments solely to AI-driven substitution effects in Ireland. Several highly AI-exposed sectors (particularly ICT) experienced rapid employment growth in the immediate post-pandemic period, followed by a subsequent slowdown in hiring as global economic conditions tightened.”
Government policy, in response, as set out in the National Digital and AI Strategy – Digital Ireland, Connecting our People, Securing our Future – places a strong emphasis on preparing both workers and employers for these changes through a comprehensive programme of skills, enterprise and innovation measures. Central to this is the Empower pillar, which aims to equip the workforce with cutting-edge skills and ensure access to agile upskilling and reskilling opportunities to help workers transition as roles evolve.
Key measures include the development of a Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future (to be published in 2026) and the establishment of a National Skills Observatory, which will analyse labour market trends and identify emerging skills gaps, particularly those linked to AI and digital technologies. These will guide targeted investment in education and training programmes. In addition, a national online AI Skilling Platform is being introduced as a one-stop shop for individuals and employers, supported by a nationwide Digital and AI skilling campaign to increase awareness and participation.
For enterprise, the Strategy includes a targeted AI Adoption Strategy (2026), along with an Enterprise Ireland AI Adoption Roadmap, AI Sector Champions, and the establishment of an Observatory for Business AI Readiness (OBAIR). These measures are designed to support firms—particularly SMEs—in adopting AI technologies and building internal capabilities, complemented by training supports delivered through Skillnet Ireland, SOLAS and the European Digital Innovation Hubs.
Further supports include expanded investment in research and talent pipelines (including PhD training in AI), public sector training initiatives, and digital literacy programmes across all levels of education. Taken together, these measures are intended to ensure that workers can adapt to technological change while supporting employers to deploy AI in a productive and responsible manner.
70. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the commencement date for construction works for the Rochfortbridge data centre; the expected phasing of the project; and the projected timeline for completion of each phase and full operation of the development. [44519/26]
View answerI have been advised that the data centre project near Rochfortbridge, Red Admiral Data and Energy Campus, is progressing through the planning process and engaging with the recently published EirGrid Datacentre large energy user grid connection process. Construction is expected to commence once all necessary consents are in order. The project construction will be phased over approximately 4 to 6 years with each phase taking 2 to 3 years to complete. The project will be delivered in line with government guidance and policy on data centre development and is expected to bring significant high-quality employment and economic development to the region.
71. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the preparedness of Irish industry for the implementation of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM); the supports being provided to affected sectors, particularly SMEs and energy-intensive industries, to comply with reporting and cost implications arising from the transitional phase; the estimated impact on competitiveness and export performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44599/26]
View answerThe Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU regulation that aims to prevent carbon leakage from the EU by applying a carbon price that mirrors the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) for third country imports. In Ireland, the implementation of CBAM is overseen by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and the EPA is the relevant authority.
The objective of CBAM is that prices of goods imported into the EU more accurately reflect their carbon footprint, while also encouraging third countries and EU importers to reduce their emissions. CBAM covers carbon intensive products deemed most at risk of carbon leakage such as steel, cement, iron, fertilisers, electricity, aluminium and hydrogen. The impacts of the regulation therefore fall disproportionately on these sectors.
CBAM was implemented in October 2023 and operated in a ‘Transitional’ phase until 31 December 2025, during which time there were no financial costs applied. CBAM entered its ‘Definitive’ phase on 1 January 2026. Companies in scope are now required to verify the embedded emissions of their imports and submit CBAM Certificates to cover them. The first submissions will take place in 2027 to cover 2026 emissions.
Following a revision in the EU Simplification Omnibus package, the administrative burden facing businesses under CBAM has been reduced. The original threshold for entering scope of CBAM was a €150 value for any relevant item being imported. In practice, this meant that many small imports were required to comply. The embedded emissions of these small imports were found to be relatively low in general. The Omnibus therefore removes the obligation on small businesses to review the emissions of potentially complex supply chains, and a new threshold was established. A de minimis exemption has been introduced for companies importing less than 50 tonnes annually of goods subject to the CBAM. This measure exempts approximately 90% of EU importers from the CBAM, while still covering 99% of emissions in scope.
Its my understanding that the financial obligations under the CBAM will be phased in gradually, in parallel with the phaseout of free allocation under the EU ETS from 2026-2034. This will involve the purchase and surrender of CBAM certificates by 30 September 2027 corresponding to the embedded emissions associated with the goods imported in 2026. Imports on which an explicit carbon price has already been paid, such as a carbon tax or the industrial carbon pricing system in Canada, will be exempted or face a reduced charge. Where the carbon price paid is equal to or above the CBAM price, no CBAM charge will arise.
CBAM forms part of an overall drive to decarbonise and improve the competitiveness of EU manufacturing sectors, including energy-intensive industries. My Department works closely with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to support the development of a sustainable enterprise environment, providing targeted supports to businesses which enable them to become more competitive and resilient through decarbonisation. Where SMEs are clients of these agencies I would recommend direct engagement with them to assess where they may need support or advice on compliance with the CBAM obligations, equally, any business within the scope of the regulation can contact the EPA seeking guidance and assistance in understanding and complying with their obligations.
I appreciate that the obligations under CBAM may prove challenging to implement for some importers of products in scope. I will work with Minister O'Brien to help ensure that implementation of the regulation at EU and national level is as straightforward and predictable as possible.
